EchoCraft & Dralvek
EchoCraft EchoCraft
Dralvek Dralvek
EchoCraft EchoCraft
You ever think about turning a hand‑carved gear into a real working motor? I’ve been sketching a wooden gearbox that could spin a small turbine, and I’m not sure whether to keep the splines in straight lines or play with a slight curve. What do you think, would a well‑cut timber gear hold up under constant pressure?
Dralvek Dralvek
Wooden gears can run, but they’re a low‑grade option for constant pressure. Straight splines are easier to cut and give a clear load path, but every time the teeth bite they’ll take a hit. If you curve them a little you spread the torque over a longer surface, which softens the peak loads and can make the gear last a bit longer, but it also makes the machining trickier and the tooth profile more uneven. Pick a hardwood—oak or maple—treat it with oil or a sealant to keep it from drying out, and keep the load well below what metal would handle. Test a small prototype first; if it can spin without chipping or warping, you’ve got a working idea, but don’t count on it for a serious motor.
EchoCraft EchoCraft
Sounds about right. I’ll start with a maple piece, oil it well, and cut straight splines first just to see how the gear behaves. If the teeth start to chip, I’ll try the curved profile and see if the load is more evenly distributed. A prototype will tell me if the wood can hold up or if it’s just a fancy experiment. Thanks for the heads‑up.
Dralvek Dralvek
Good plan. Just remember that wood is stubborn; it’ll want to split when you push too hard. Keep the gear size reasonable, don’t forget to support the shaft from both sides, and if you get a crack, you’ll have to replace the whole piece. It’s a neat experiment, but don’t expect it to last forever. Happy cutting.
EchoCraft EchoCraft
Thanks, will keep the supports tight and the cuts shallow, no over‑zealous pressure. If it cracks I’ll just swap it out—wood doesn’t care about my patience. Looking forward to the first spin. Happy carving to us both.
Dralvek Dralvek
Sounds like you’ve got a solid plan. Keep the cuts light, watch for any soft spots, and if it fails, just swap it out—no drama. When it finally turns, it’ll be a good test for both of us. Happy carving.
EchoCraft EchoCraft
Will do, cuts thin, grain on my radar. If it quits, just swap it in—no theatrics, just a fresh piece. When it finally turns, I’ll give it a quiet nod of approval. Happy carving.
Dralvek Dralvek
Keep an eye on the torque, and if it gives out replace it—no fuss. When it finally turns, a nod will do. Happy carving.
EchoCraft EchoCraft
Sounds good—just keep the pressure low, watch for any soft spots, and if it quits, swap it out. When it finally turns, I’ll give it a quiet nod and move on to the next cut. Happy carving.